Every season the big coffee chains add flavour-appropriate items to their menus for their customers to order and enjoy — pumpkin spice or eggnog lattes. Hot Chocolate Vancouver does the same, except that we are a collective group of small, local, artisan businesses and every January we combine our creative energy to create fantastic hot chocolate drinks for sale at our own venues across Greater Vancouver. For just a small amount of pocket money the public can purchase a little bit of cheer to brighten the gloomiest time of year, while at the same time help our efforts to stay independent and financially secure.
In 2021 we need your support more than ever, and perhaps you need the little candle we light in the darkness too. However, in order to be mindful of your safety and respectful to BC Health Authority rules and regulations, we have made some modifications to this annual initiative. These include:
- All featured hot chocolates will be available for takeout and most of our participating vendors will be selling as takeout only. Look under “List of Flavours” on this website.
- Some vendors will be able to offer you cafe service but while you are on their premises, both inside and outside their buildings, you must respect all safety protocols they now operate by.
- You must wear a mask while in public spaces and whenever requested to by the vendors.
- Some HCV vendors will be offering DIY hot chocolate kits that you may purchase to take home or mail to the friends who will not be with you this year.
- Some vendors will be providing price discounts to front line medical and hospital cleaning staff. Just ask about this.
- This should not be seen as an opportunity to socialize, and visits should be as brief as possible, but whether partaking solo or in the company of your immediate family or household bubble, it is still a great way to support the business members of your own community or neighbourhood.
- In order to discourage groups, walking tours, etc., we will not be providing printed maps to our vendor locations this year, however you will still be able to access an interactive map online from your computer or smartphone.
Our online photo contest will still take place as usual but we have cancelled all other classes, pre- or post- happenings, tastings, art showings or other promotional events associated with Hot Chocolate Vancouver for 2021.
At this time we are exploring partnerships with delivery companies in order to make this year’s 87 fabulous hotchos even safer for you to enjoy.
Please stay safe and respect others needs to do the same. But don’t forget to have some fun, and remember our motto. “Chocolate Makes You Happy!”
